Bomaderry to Kiama train crucial to commuters

Passengers filed into a train at Bomaderry Station on Thursday morning, talking with their feet.

Demand for train services on the South Coast line between Kiama and Bomaderry link remains strong, in a week where the future of the rail link has been the topic of debate for local politicians.

On Tuesday, Shoalhaven Councillor Greg Watson aired fears the state government is preparing to phase-out the rail link, following calls from Kiama MP Gareth Ward to improve bus services between the towns.

Mr Ward assured Mr Watson the rail link will continue to operate, a promise that has been met with widespread relief.

Nowra commuter Craig Weir regularly catches the train from Bomaderry, and said trains were often full during the day.

“Sometimes during the day you can’t even get a seat, just imagine a bus,” he said.

“I’d rather a train, the buses stuff the trip up a bit, it’s a bit inconvenient.”

While commuters appreciate the rail link, there’s room for improvement.

The two-hour lag between departure times caused headaches for Mr Weir this morning.

“My dad was a bit late to pick me up, I was meant to get the 9.20 train,” he said.

“He didn’t realise the next one was two hours later.”

Geoffrey Andrews and his wife from Milton also boarded the 11.20am train.

When the Andrews travel to Sydney they opt to take the train, rather than drive.

“We have plenty of time to read on the way up, and we don’t have any hassle (parking) at the other end either,” he said.

He said the commute to Sydney would be more prohibitive without the Bomaderry to Kiama rail link, and they would be far less inclined to catch the bus if that was their only public transport option.

Samantha Johnstone, on board from Nowra, uses the service three times a year.

“I would use a bus if I had to but I’d prefer the train,” she said.

“It just feels quicker, there’s heaps more room, you can get up and stand.”